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Las Heras M, Szenfeld B, Ballout RA, Buratti E, Zanlungo S, Dardis A, Klein AD. Understanding the phenotypic variability in Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC): a need for precision medicine. NPJ Genom Med 2023; 8:21. [PMID: 37567876 PMCID: PMC10421955 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-023-00365-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease is a lysosomal storage disease (LSD) characterized by the buildup of endo-lysosomal cholesterol and glycosphingolipids due to loss of function mutations in the NPC1 and NPC2 genes. NPC patients can present with a broad phenotypic spectrum, with differences at the age of onset, rate of progression, severity, organs involved, effects on the central nervous system, and even response to pharmacological treatments. This article reviews the phenotypic variation of NPC and discusses its possible causes, such as the remaining function of the defective protein, modifier genes, sex, environmental cues, and splicing factors, among others. We propose that these factors should be considered when designing or repurposing treatments for this disease. Despite its seeming complexity, this proposition is not far-fetched, considering the expanding interest in precision medicine and easier access to multi-omics technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena Las Heras
- Centro de Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, 7780272, Chile
| | - Benjamín Szenfeld
- Centro de Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, 7780272, Chile
| | - Rami A Ballout
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW) Medical Center and Children's Health, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Emanuele Buratti
- Molecular Pathology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, 34149, Italy
| | - Silvana Zanlungo
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, 8330033, Chile
| | - Andrea Dardis
- Regional Coordinator Centre for Rare Diseases, University Hospital of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Andrés D Klein
- Centro de Genética y Genómica, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, 7780272, Chile.
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2
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Buratti E, Peruzzo P, Braga L, Zanin I, Stuani C, Goina E, Romano M, Giacca M, Dardis A. Deferoxamine mesylate improves splicing and GAA activity of the common c.-32-13T>G allele in late-onset PD patient fibroblasts. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 20:227-236. [PMID: 33426149 PMCID: PMC7782201 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pompe disease (PD) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder due to deficient activity of the acid alpha glucosidase enzyme (GAA). As a consequence of the enzymatic defect, undigested glycogen accumulates within lysosomes. Most patients affected by the late-onset (LO) phenotype carry in at least one allele the c.-32-13T>G variant, which leads to exon 2 exclusion from the pre-mRNA. These patients display a variable and suboptimal response to enzyme replacement therapy. To identify novel therapeutic approaches, we developed a fluorescent GAA exon 2 splicing assay and screened a library of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved compounds. This led to the identification of several drugs able to restore normal splicing. Among these, we further validated the effects of the iron chelator deferoxamine (Defe) in c.-32-13T>G fibroblasts. Defe treatment resulted in a 2-fold increase of GAA exon 2 inclusion and a 40% increase in enzymatic activity. Preliminary results suggest that this effect is mediated by the regulation of iron availability, at least partially. RNA-seq experiments also showed that Defe might shift the balance of splicing factor levels toward a profile promoting GAA exon 2 inclusion. This work provides the basis for drug repurposing and development of new chemically modified molecules aimed at improving the clinical outcome in LO-PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Buratti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Area Science Park, Padriciano, Trieste, Italy
| | - Paolo Peruzzo
- Centre for Rare Diseases, Academic Hospital Santa Maria della Misericordia, Udine, Italy
| | - Luca Braga
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Area Science Park, Padriciano, Trieste, Italy.,Department of Life Sciences, Via Valerio 28, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Irene Zanin
- Centre for Rare Diseases, Academic Hospital Santa Maria della Misericordia, Udine, Italy
| | - Cristiana Stuani
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Area Science Park, Padriciano, Trieste, Italy
| | - Elisa Goina
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Area Science Park, Padriciano, Trieste, Italy
| | - Maurizio Romano
- Department of Life Sciences, Via Valerio 28, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Mauro Giacca
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Area Science Park, Padriciano, Trieste, Italy.,School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, London SE5 9NU, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Dardis
- Centre for Rare Diseases, Academic Hospital Santa Maria della Misericordia, Udine, Italy
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3
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Bergsma AJ, In 't Groen SLM, Catalano F, Yamanaka M, Takahashi S, Okumiya T, van der Ploeg AT, Pijnappel WWMP. A generic assay for the identification of splicing variants that induce nonsense-mediated decay in Pompe disease. Eur J Hum Genet 2021; 29:422-433. [PMID: 33168984 PMCID: PMC7940403 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-020-00751-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA variants affecting mRNA expression and processing in genetic diseases are often missed or poorly characterized. We previously reported a generic assay to identify variants that affect mRNA expression and splicing in Pompe disease, a monogenic disorder caused by deficiency of acid α-glucosidase (GAA). However, this assay could miss mRNA that is subjected to degradation. Here, we inhibited mRNA degradation using cycloheximide and performed unbiased splicing analysis of all GAA exons using exon flanking RT-PCR and exon internal RT-qPCR. In four patients that were suspected of harboring splicing variants but for which aberrant splicing could not be detected in normally growing cells, we detected a total of 10 novel splicing events in cells treated with cycloheximide. In addition, we found that sequences of GAA introns 6 and 12 were naturally included in a subset of transcripts from patients and healthy controls, indicating inefficient canonical splicing. Identification of aberrant splicing caused by the common Asian variant c.546G>T allowed the development of an antisense oligonucleotide that promoted canonical GAA pre-mRNA splicing and elevated GAA enzymatic activity. Our results indicate that this extended generic splicing assay allows the detection of aberrant splicing in cases of mRNA degradation to enable functional analysis of unknown splicing variants and the development of targeted treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atze J Bergsma
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Stijn L M In 't Groen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Fabio Catalano
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Manjiro Yamanaka
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shinshu University Hospital, Nagano, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Asahikawa Medical University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Toshika Okumiya
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Ans T van der Ploeg
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - W W M Pim Pijnappel
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
- Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
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Kuijper EC, Bergsma AJ, Pijnappel WP, Aartsma‐Rus A. Opportunities and challenges for antisense oligonucleotide therapies. J Inherit Metab Dis 2021; 44:72-87. [PMID: 32391605 PMCID: PMC7891411 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotide (AON) therapies involve short strands of modified nucleotides that target RNA in a sequence-specific manner, inducing targeted protein knockdown or restoration. Currently, 10 AON therapies have been approved in the United States and Europe. Nucleotides are chemically modified to protect AONs from degradation, enhance bioavailability and increase RNA affinity. Whereas single stranded AONs can efficiently be delivered systemically, delivery of double stranded AONs requires capsulation in lipid nanoparticles or binding to a conjugate as the uptake enhancing backbone is hidden in this conformation. With improved chemistry, delivery vehicles and conjugates, doses can be lowered, thereby reducing the risk and occurrence of side effects. AONs can be used to knockdown or restore levels of protein. Knockdown can be achieved by single stranded or double stranded AONs binding the RNA transcript and activating RNaseH-mediated and RISC-mediated degradation respectively. Transcript binding by AONs can also prevent translation, hence reducing protein levels. For protein restoration, single stranded AONs are used to modulate pre-mRNA splicing and either include or skip an exon to restore protein production. Intervening at a genetic level, AONs provide therapeutic options for inherited metabolic diseases as well. This review provides an overview of the different AON approaches, with a focus on AONs developed for inborn errors of metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa C. Kuijper
- Department of Human GeneticsLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Atze J. Bergsma
- Department of PediatricsCenter for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of Clinical GeneticsCenter for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - W.W.M. Pim Pijnappel
- Department of PediatricsCenter for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of Clinical GeneticsCenter for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
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de Faria DOS, 't Groen SLMI, Hoogeveen-Westerveld M, Nino MY, van der Ploeg AT, Bergsma AJ, Pijnappel WWMP. Update of the Pompe variant database for the prediction of clinical phenotypes: Novel disease-associated variants, common sequence variants, and results from newborn screening. Hum Mutat 2020; 42:119-134. [PMID: 33560568 PMCID: PMC7898817 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pompe disease is an inherited disorder caused by disease-associated variants in the acid α-glucosidase gene (GAA). The Pompe disease GAA variant database (http://www.pompevariantdatabase.nl) is a curated, open-source, disease-specific database, and lists disease-associated GAA variants, in silico predictions, and clinical phenotypes reported until 2016. Here, we provide an update to include 226 disease-associated variants that were published until 2020. We also listed 148 common GAA sequence variants that do not cause Pompe disease. GAA variants with unknown severity that were identified only in newborn screening programs were listed as a new feature to indicate the reason why phenotypes were still unknown. Expression studies were performed for common missense variants to predict their severity. The updated Pompe disease GAA variant database now includes 648 disease-associated variants, 26 variants from newborn screening, and 237 variants with unknown severity. Regular updates of the Pompe disease GAA variant database will be required to improve genetic counseling and the study of genotype-phenotype relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas O S de Faria
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stijn L M In 't Groen
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Monica Y Nino
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ans T van der Ploeg
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Atze J Bergsma
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - W W M Pim Pijnappel
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Häuser F, Gökce S, Werner G, Danckwardt S, Sollfrank S, Neukirch C, Beyer V, Hennermann JB, Lackner KJ, Mengel E, Rossmann H. A non-invasive diagnostic assay for rapid detection and characterization of aberrant mRNA-splicing by nonsense mediated decay inhibition. Mol Genet Metab 2020; 130:27-35. [PMID: 32222271 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2020.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interpretation of genetic variants detected by sequencing of genomic DNA, which may cause splicing defects, regularly requires mRNA analysis. Usually, only bioinformatic testing is provided, because simple and non-invasive assay protocols are lacking. Furthermore, the detection of mis-splicing is often hampered by nonsense mediated mRNA decay (NMD). METHODS Starting from a case of Pompe disease with two potential splicing variants an assay for the analysis of splice defects in general was developed. We analyzed the transcripts from the gene of interest by standard methods after short-term culture of the patient's lymphocytes in the presence and absence of a NMD inhibitor. Variant and wild type transcript expression were quantified by allele specific PCR in the patient and both parents and the expression ratio with/without NMD inhibition was calculated for each transcript. RESULTS NMD detection in lymphocytes was optimized and evaluated by analyzing a naturally occurring NMD transcript. Several compounds inhibited NMD successfully, including potential therapeutic agents. Sample storage for up to 4 days at room temperature prior to lymphocyte isolation did not affect results. In a proof of concept we identified two candidate variants as severe splicing variants in a patient with Pompe disease, but the strategy can also be used to screen for any mis-spliced transcripts prone to NMD. CONCLUSIONS We developed a simple, non-invasive assay for the detection and characterization of potential splicing variants. This is essential, because early and near-term diagnosis and disease classification is required to facilitate therapy in many genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Häuser
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Seyfullah Gökce
- Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Gesa Werner
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Sven Danckwardt
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefanie Sollfrank
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Carolin Neukirch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Vera Beyer
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Julia B Hennermann
- Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Karl J Lackner
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Eugen Mengel
- Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Heidi Rossmann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
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